The above video, A Closer Look, was produced in the Spring 2018 cohort by Abdullah, of Grady High School, as part of his capstone project titled, "How Might We Better Tell the LAB ATL story for prospective public school students"?

Why Lab Atlanta? I wanted to change my learning environment. I’d been in Atlanta Public Schools since Pre-K. But one of the main selling points was “the city is your classroom.” I’ve lived in Atlanta all my life and driven past historical sites, but didn’t know why there were important. I’d never been to Buford Highway or realized how the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood is being gentrified.

—Hunter, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

At Lab Atlanta, I learned I have a voice, and when I use it wisely, it can move mountains.

—Daniela, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

My semester at Lab Atlanta not only allowed me to increase my knowledge of this city, but it also helped me to develop my own voice and gain an appreciation for various perspectives that I had rarely encountered in the past. The trans-disciplinary approach that Lab Atlanta takes was unlike any learning experience that I had had before and taught me to make connections while thinking critically.

—Hannah, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

Before Lab Atlanta, I wasn’t happy with my school. I wasn’t happy with myself. I didn’t know that “one thing” I could do for the rest of my life, and it was hard to find that. Now, I believe I know. Life has meaning again. I actually want to do school work. Meeting new people, interfacing with kids from other schools, and just looking around has opened up my eyes to the opportunities around me. And, I thank you for that.

—Payton, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

Not only am I a better listener, but I also feel more comfortable sharing my opinions and working with other people...I now know that it's possible for me to solve problems in areas where I am passionate if I am willing to put in the work and engage with the community around me.

—Avery, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

Lab Atlanta has assisted me in looking at the world differently. Before I arrived at lab, I never realized the history that lies beneath the surface...I love the connections and friendships that have been made.

—Kia, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, Spring 2018

Lab helped me to have more confidence in myself as a learner, public speaker, and interviewee. These skills have already helped me tremendously with the college application process, and I can't wait to see how I'll be able to put them to use in my career.

—Sarah, Fellow, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

What parents are saying...

We sent our daughter to Lab Atlanta during the second semester of her 10th-grade year. She transitioned from a traditional learning environment associated with lectures and mastery of knowledge through drill and practice to a student-centered learning environment that encouraged ingenuity, curiosity, and innovation. Our daughter blossomed into a thoughtful learner who became civically engaged and focused on building a vibrant, sustainable future. Our experience at Lab Atlanta was simply amazing!

—Aquaria R. Smith, Parent, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

Lab Atlanta more than delivered on its promise to immerse the students in an inspired, civically-engaged high school semester. The city was truly their school room. The thoughtful, holistic, but solution-oriented approach to solving for a better Atlanta community was inherent in every step. In addition, we loved the outside resources Lab brought to so much of their process – whether guest speakers, design-minded experts or mentors. The experience continually pushed the students to reach into the community rather sit at a computer to learn and gather data – from the High Museum staff to the Lemonade Project to Atlanta Stories to walkers on the Beltline and more. Our daughter walked away with more perspective, more confidence and more capabilities to lead and chart her own path as she heads out of high school and into the real world.

—Meg Culp, Parent, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class

What admissions professionals are saying...

So often, we worry about the challenges of high school education in an urban space. Lab Atlanta turns that on its head by asking students to use the city as their inspiration – asking them to actively explore and enjoy the opportunities present in an urban setting. I applaud Lab Atlanta's ability to create a learning space that is so very student-centered. Student collaboration and creativity is clearly emphasized as the program asks students to learn from each other – and from the city in which they live.

—Amy Jarich, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Admissions, University of California, Berkeley

Lab Atlanta's focus on community-focused education resonates well with the work that we do at the college level. We look for curious minds that care about inclusive, diverse communities. It seems to me that Lab Atlanta is well positioned to produce students who care deeply about the world around them. Empathy and engagement is critical. The world needs more stewards.

—Greg Moyer, Associate Director of Admissions, Dickinson College

Given the opportunity to tour Lab Atlanta and spend time learning about the program's mission, I left impressed by the energy and vision of its leaders and faculty members. Lovett's commitment to innovation and support of an initiative that benefits all Atlanta high school students – public and private – is commendable as well. I imagine college admission professionals will be intrigued by the ways Lab Atlanta enhances a student's overall high school experience when reviewing college applications from Lab Atlanta alumni.